Page 27 of Falling For You

“Yeah, I suppose so.”

She glanced at her phone and hopped up from the chair with her drink. “I have to get to the store so I’m not late for my job, but maybe I’ll see you around, especially if you’re still snooping around Mr. Medowski’s.”

My chest tightened at the thought of her finding out why I was truly here, but as her gaze stayed fastened to mine, I knew I had to tell her before she found out in the papers.

Chapter Seven

Violet

“You have a lot of explaining to do,” I told my brother.

Liam chuckled and shrugged before raking the stall.

My hands flew to my hips. “I’m serious. What if Owen is a stalker or a murderer?”

“Well, if he were either of those things, he’s not very good because he has a ton of witnesses along the way.” He grinned at me. “Besides, I thought the flowers were a nice touch.”

I groaned. “You’re not getting my point.”

“No. I know exactly what you’re getting at. You kind of like the guy and don’t want any of us to know or point him in the right direction because, God forbid, you’re interested.”

I scowled at Liam. “There is no right direction with him. He’s completely wrong for me.”

“How would you know? You’ve barely even spoken to him.”

“Because he’s like all the other guys I’ve dated. He’s solely focused on his career. His grumpiness can be mistaken for being endearing and earnest. Red flag central.” I shook my head. “And he doesn’t even like small towns.”

“And you do?” Liam grinned. “You couldn’t wait to get out of here when you were in your twenties.”

“Right.” I nodded. “And then I learned the error of my ways, and I won’t do that twice.” I glanced around the barn. “This is my home. Liddie needs me.”

Liam stopped raking and leaned the tool against the wall. “Or do you need Liddie?”

I chuckled. “Okay. Enough with the psychology stuff. Buttercup Lake makes me happy. Honey Leaf Lodge makes me happier. And my family makes me thehappiest. How’s that for a surprise?”

“I have a secret.” Liam leaned over and whispered, “It’s no surprise.”

“Anyway, he brought me the sunflowers, and we went out for coffee.”

“And?”

“He’s not so bad.” I shrugged. “How about you and Evie?”

His eyes lit up. “We’re going out on Friday night.”

“Really? That’s awesome.”

“I think so.” He nodded. “Did you finish all the blog photos from lunch today?”

“I did.”

“But have you posted them yet?”

I groaned. “You know me so well. I cook the meals, take the pictures, and then never get them uploaded.”

“Listen, Vi. I totally believe in you. We all do. I think your food blog could really pop off. I always see recipes come over my feeds, and they’re nowhere near as tasty looking as yours.”

“You’re such a good brother.” My chest tightened because I knew he was right. “I know. I just have to get more disciplined to see where it goes.”

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